The Lodger metaphor
Svava's story "The Lodger" has been read as a political metaphor for US intervention in Iceland. Svava herself was opposed to the existence of US bases in Iceland, and in this story, we see that the unwanted house guest is a metaphor for the unwanted presence of the US in Iceland.
A story for children metaphor
The events of "A Story for Children" can be read as a gruesome metaphor for the sacrifice mothers make for their children and family. In this story, the mother literally sacrifices her brain and heart for her children, a metaphor for her emotional and psychological sacrifice.
Superficiality metaphor
In "Party Under a Stone Wall," the fact that Snorri and his wife prioritize the appearance of their house to their own failing relationship is ultimately a metaphor for a general sense of superficiality in society. Although the couple appears to have a good relationship from the outside, this actually isn't the case.
Heart simile
In "A Story for Children," a simile is used to describe the sound of the mother's heart being dropped into the jar. Disturbingly, it is described as being "a deep sucking sound, like a gasp within a human breast."
The Husband, "A Story for Children."
The husband's complete ambivalence towards the events of the story is disturbing and can be read as a metaphor for the general lack of understanding men have for women's issues. In this story, the husband does not seem aware of the sacrifice the mother is making for her children.
